Every four years, American voters have to make a decision about who they believe can best lead this country.

For this particular election, residents are more informed on the candidates’ views and the important issues of the day. Already, there have been so many debates and so many primaries that residents may feel weary of the entire experience.

But, we here in Louisiana have yet to have our say. On Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. residents will be asked to decide who they think should be on the ballot in the November race.

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On Thursday, the Lincoln Parish Library is celebrating 10 years at its current location — 910 N. Trenton St.

In May, the Library Board of Control decided the best way to commemorate this occasion was by giving something back to the community, while also attempting to regain some of the books that patrons have accidentally forgotten to return back to the library. But, never willing to overlook an opportunity to provide some fun for patrons as well, library administrators decided to add a fun twist.

Another year has come and gone. In 2010, Lincoln Parish saw both good and bad — new construction, increased water conservation efforts, cuts to higher education and the loss of a recycling program.

For 2011, we hope to see several things take place before the calendar year turns to 2012.

First has to do with higher education. State colleges and universities were recently instructed to develop “what-if” budgets for 2011 that could cut as much as 35 percent of current funding — a total of almost $500 million — in light of the fact that nearly $290 million in federal stimulus money being used to help fund Louisiana’s high education system will expire in the summer. That means the state could be facing a possible $1.6 billion budget shortfall for the next fiscal year.

For many people, today is the start of a mad dash to find the perfect presents for everyone on their shopping list.

Unfortunately, the shopping frenzy often comes hand-in-hand with a plethora of problems, ranging from increased traffic to open season for those hoping to pull the wool over unsuspecting residents’ eyes.